Course Overview
The RYA Day Skipper Fast Track is a coordinated 12-day route from beginner crew to aspiring skipper. It combines RYA Competent Crew, RYA Day Skipper Practical and RYA Marine Radio VHF/SRC in one directly bookable package.
The two practical weeks run consecutively from Yacht Haven Marina, with the intervening weekend included in the overall programme. The package price is 90% of the combined standard CC, DSP and VHF/SRC prices.
Day Skipper theory is completed separately. We recommend completing the RYA Day Skipper Theory online course with our partners Skippers Online or Ardent Training before arriving in Phuket, so the practical programme can focus on applying navigation, pilotage and command skills aboard.
Sailing conditions
Phuket offers year-round tropical sailing. The northeast-monsoon months are generally drier, while the southwest monsoon can bring fresher winds, tropical showers and larger swell on exposed Andaman routes. Phang Nga Bay provides more sheltered water, allowing the instructor to select suitable training areas for the day’s conditions.
Places to explore
Depending on weather and training objectives, the cruising area can include limestone anchorages in Phang Nga Bay, islands near Phuket and, on suitable passages, the Phi Phi Islands. The final route is always set by the instructor and is not a fixed holiday itinerary.
Who Is This Course For?
Motivated beginners who want an intensive, structured progression from their first practical sailing experience toward Day Skipper-level skills.
Prerequisites
- No previous sailing experience required
- Reasonable mobility and fitness for two practical weeks aboard
- Minimum age: 16 years old
- Day Skipper-level theory knowledge must be completed or otherwise demonstrated before certification at the practical level. We recommend completing the RYA Day Skipper Theory online course with our partners Skippers Online or Ardent Training before the practical programme
Typical Itinerary
Board before the first practical week, complete Competent Crew training, continue through the intervening weekend and then undertake the Day Skipper Practical component. Exact VHF/SRC delivery and assessment timing is confirmed in the joining instructions.
- Days 1–5: Competent Crew practical skills, helming, sail handling, ropework and onboard routines
- Days 6–7: intervening weekend for consolidation and rest; students arrange their own time
- Days 8–12: Day Skipper Practical pilotage, passage planning, boat handling and command exercises
- Marine Radio VHF/SRC tuition and assessment arranged alongside the confirmed programme
Sailing Yacht on This Course
Practical courses are currently scheduled aboard our dedicated liveaboard training yacht from Yacht Haven Marina.

Andaman Cruise 2
Jeanneau · Sun Odyssey 42DS
LOA: 42 ft (12.8 m) · 3 cabins · 2 heads
Comfort: air conditioning, electric toilet and a fully equipped galley.
View yacht information →What Is Included
Included
- Five-day RYA Competent Crew practical course
- Five-day RYA Day Skipper Practical course
- RYA Marine Radio VHF/SRC course
- Onboard accommodation during both practical training weeks
- Use of the yacht's safety and training equipment
- Fuel, marina fees and normal yacht operating costs during practical training
Not included
- RYA Day Skipper Theory online course
- Accommodation ashore and personal arrangements during the intervening weekend
- Flights and transport to or from Phuket
- Travel insurance and personal expenses
- Meals, drinks and personal provisions
- Other optional services not specifically stated as included
Optional extras
- Bedding and towel€25 per person
- Course textbook€20 per book
- RYA logbook€20 per book
- Airport pickup€30 per trip
- Shore accommodation€50 pp / night
These can be selected on the booking page.
Course Syllabus
- Competent Crew practical syllabus
- Preparation for sea, pilotage and practical navigation
- Yacht handling under sail and power
- Passage making, command and crew management
- Emergency situations and onboard safety
- Marine VHF, DSC and distress procedures
Recommended to Bring
- Quick-drying clothing and non-marking footwear
- Sun protection and a light waterproof layer
- Soft luggage suitable for extended liveaboard training
- Navigation notes and tools requested before arrival
- Passport-size photograph for skipper certification
Supporting Courses
RYA Day Skipper Theory
Build the chartwork, navigation, pilotage, weather and passage-planning knowledge required for Day Skipper Practical.
View course informationRYA Marine Radio VHF/SRC
Included in this packageLearn how to operate a marine VHF radio confidently, including routine calls, distress and emergency procedures, Digital Selective Calling and essential radio protocol.
View course informationLocal Information
Flights and Arrival
Phuket International Airport is approximately 20–30 minutes by road from Yacht Haven Marina in normal traffic. Plan to arrive with enough time for Sunday-evening boarding. Airport transfer and accommodation before or after the course can be arranged separately.
Typical Weather
Phuket is warm throughout the year, but the monsoon seasons influence wind, rainfall and route planning. These are typical patterns rather than a forecast.
Nov–Jan
24–31°C
Drier northeast-monsoon period with more sunshine and generally comfortable cruising conditions.
Feb–Apr
25–33°C
Hot, mostly dry weather. Winds can become lighter and more variable as the season progresses.
May–Aug
24–32°C
Southwest-monsoon sailing with tropical showers, fresher winds and more swell on exposed routes.
Sep–Oct
24–31°C
Typically the wettest and most changeable period, with squalls and routes adjusted to conditions.
Your Next RYA Step
After completing the pathway, consolidate your command experience and build miles before progressing toward Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Theory and Coastal Skipper Practical.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the 12-day Day Skipper Fast Track organised?
The programme combines five days of RYA Competent Crew, an intervening weekend, and five days of RYA Day Skipper Practical. RYA Marine Radio VHF/SRC tuition and assessment are arranged around the confirmed programme. Your joining instructions provide the final boarding, training and assessment schedule.
Do I need previous sailing experience before joining?
No previous sailing experience is required for the complete pathway. It begins with Competent Crew and progressively develops the practical seamanship, navigation, boat handling and command skills needed for Day Skipper. You should have reasonable mobility and fitness for two practical liveaboard weeks, and the minimum age is 16.
Must I complete Day Skipper Theory before the practical programme?
You must reach RYA Day Skipper Theory knowledge standard before certification at the practical level. We strongly recommend completing the online theory course with Skippers Online or Ardent Training before arriving in Phuket. Theory course fees are separate from the Fast Track package.
Is the RYA Marine Radio VHF/SRC course included?
Yes. The package includes the RYA Marine Radio VHF/SRC course and the assessment arrangements stated in your booking. The exact timing is coordinated with the two practical weeks and confirmed in your joining instructions.
Where do I stay during the two practical weeks and middle weekend?
Onboard accommodation is included during both practical training weeks according to your selected tariff. The intervening weekend is for consolidation, rest and your own arrangements, so accommodation ashore and personal weekend costs are not included. We can recommend options near Yacht Haven Marina.
How are meals and provisions arranged?
Meals, drinks and personal provisions are not included. During the practical weeks, the crew shares the yacht's equipped galley, cooking duties and limited refrigerated and dry storage. Tell us about allergies and dietary needs before arrival, and use soft luggage because space aboard is limited.
Will Competent Crew and Day Skipper students share the yacht?
They may. The courses are compatible: Competent Crew students develop practical crewing skills while Day Skipper candidates practise planning, briefing and command. The instructor manages the programme so each student receives suitable tasks, coaching and time at the helm, with a maximum of five students aboard.
Are the course certificates guaranteed at the end of the Fast Track?
No. RYA course-completion certificates are awarded only when the relevant standard is demonstrated, and the VHF/SRC certificate requires completion of its separate assessment process. The instructor monitors progress throughout the programme and will explain any skill or knowledge areas that need further development.


















